In 2009, as newly appointed Chief of Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital (CSGH), Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan, Jr.,envisioned to have a sea ambulance. Being aware of the geographical location and topography of the province, this vision will benefit the four Calamian municipalities: Culion, Coron, Busuanga, Linapacan as well as to the neighboring island municipalities of Northern Palawan such as El Nido, Cuyo, Dumaran, Agutaya and Taytay. Specifically, CSGH aims to cater surgical, obstetrics and medical needs of its catchment population and attend to emergencies, disaster and rescue operations providing access to CSGH specialists and hospital care while maintaining its mandate as a sanitarium and a leprosy training and research center in region.

The CSGH is the only DOH-retained secondary level general hospital operating in the Calamianes Group of Islands. For many years CSGH have been providing health services, however bringing health closer to the people in need is a challenge that the CSGH have to deal with especially to the marginalized and far-flung islands of the Calamianes/Northern Palawan island municipalities. Most areas lack access to road networks and sea travel is the most means to access CSGH. The weather conditions and availability of transport endangering the lives of the patient hinder early seeking of needed medical attentions.

The eagerness of Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan, Jr. to have a sea ambulance became stronger, when the super typhoon Yolanda hit Culion, Palawan and Northern Palawan in November 2013. Many lives were affected. Transportation and communication outside Culion were down and the area was isolated. With an ardent desire and effort to provide an immediate medical assistance to Culion Islands and the rest of the Northern Palawan, Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan, Jr. seek funding support of Prof. Etsuko Kita, Chairperson, Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation (SMHF) and Mr. Kazunori Johtaki, President, Association of Professional Motor Boat Racers of Japan, the SEA AMBULANCE was made possible.

The Sea Ambulance Turn Over Ceremony and its blessing was held on August 3, 2016 at ATM (Antonio T. Mabera) Covered Court. This significant event was attended Dir. Eduardo C. Janairo, Regional Health Director, MIMAROPA, the CSGH Administration and Staff led by Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan,Jr., the donors, Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation, Association of Professional Motorboat Racer, The Nippon Foundation and Japan Leisure Channel. Municipal mayors were also present namely Hon. AjericoBarracoso (Coron), Hon. Elizabeth M. Cervantes (Busuanga) and Hon. Ma. Virginia N.De Vera (Culion). The presence of other local officials of Culion and neighboring municipalities further made this endeavor memorable.

Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan Jr. and Dir. Eduardo C. Janairo, assisted by Ms. Ronadilla B. Mendaza and other CSGH Division Heads to award the Plaques of Appreciation to our Sea Ambulance Donors (Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation, Association of Professional Motorboat Racer, The Nippon Foundation and Japan Leisure Channel) and to HIKARI SSP, Inc for the continuous support in Blood Service Program and the Municipality of Linapacan for the financial budget allotted to its confined constituents.

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Rev. Fr. Roderick Caabay, Parish Priest, blessed the sea ambulance. It was attended by the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital Admin. and staff led by the Chief of Sanitarium, Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan, Jr., Dir. Eduardo C. Janairo, Regional Director, MIMAROPA, Sea Ambulance Donors: Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation(SMHF), Association of Professional Motorboat Racer, The Nippon Foundation and Japan Leisure Channel. Also present were the local officials of Culion, Coron, Busuanga and Linapacan.

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Sea Ambulance in Action

Dr. Arturo C. Cunanan, Jr. together with the donors (Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation, Association of Professional Motorboat Racer, The Nippon Foundation and Japan Leisure Channel), Dir. Eduardo C. Janairo, medical sea ambulance team led by Dr. Rizza Jane Parico, Mr. Agustin Badon II, General Manager, HIKARI, as well of the Municipal Mayors of Culion, Coron and Busuanga and other local officials joined the short trip.